Emma and Laurel sifted through Madonna cone-boob corsets, French maid outfits, and a rack of pink tutus Emma would’ve begged Becky to buy for her when she was four years old. A few minutes into their search, Laurel pulled out a leopard’s costume and shook her head as she examined it. “This isn’t right either. It needs to be perfect.”

“It’s just a dance,” Emma murmured. “What’s the big deal?”

There was a screech of metal as Laurel moved a cluster of hangers to the left. “Caleb really likes Halloween. And I want everything to be just right.” She bit her lip.

Emma couldn’t help but smile. “Do you like him?”

Embarrassment flickered across Laurel’s face. “I know he tells really dorky jokes. And I know it’s not so great that he’s only on JV tennis. But he’s so nice. We have fun together.”

It took Emma a few moments to realize that Laurel was seeking her approval, apologizing for choosing a guy who might not be up to their clique’s standards. “If you guys have fun together, that’s what’s important,” she said, shooting Laurel a genuine smile. “I think he’s supercute.”

Laurel brightened. “Really?”

Emma nodded. “Really.”

The corners of Laurel’s lips twitched into a relieved smile. I could tell how much Emma’s words meant to her. It was the kind of encouragement I’d clearly never given her when I was around.

The next rack of costumes contained bikini tops, angel wings, hot pants, and thigh-high boots. “So, does Caleb like you back?” Emma asked.

Laurel flicked a feather on the brim of a flapper headband. “According to Gabby and Lili, he’s interested.”

Emma tried to keep her face neutral. She didn’t want Laurel to see her flinch at the mention of the Twins’ names.

Then Laurel let out a wary laugh. “Hopefully they’re not lying to me as revenge for attempting to get them on-stage in thongs.”

At least they didn’t try to drop a giant light on your head. “Do you think they’ve forgiven us for the prank?” Emma asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Laurel held a blood-spattered wedding dress to her torso and nodded. “After the party kicked into gear, they said they thought the prank was really funny. I can’t believe they knew we were up to something. I thought we covered our bases. Maybe we’ve underestimated them.”

That’s an understatement, I thought.

Emma ran her finger over a sequined bowler hat. “So were Gabby and Lili in the auditorium the whole time I was in the nurse’s office?” The shuffling noises in the hall zipped through her mind. Those bits of glass on the floor. The eerie sense someone had been there listening, watching.

“Yeah . . .” Laurel squinted at her. “Why?”